Umbilical cord prolapse is an emergency medical condition that can happen during pregnancy. In this article, we’ll define the term “umbilical cord prolapse” and explain how it relates to birth injury law.

Key Takeaways

• Umbilical cord prolapse is when the umbilical cord drops through the cervix into the vagina before the fetus moves into the birth canal
• The three types of umbilical cord prolapse are overt umbilical prolapse, funic presentation, and occult cord prolapse 
• Causes of umbilical cord prolapse include preterm labor, low birth weight, breech presentation, and more
• The only treatment for umbilical cord prolapse is to deliver the baby right away, usually through cesarean section
• A failure to properly detect or respond to umbilical cord prolapse resulting in birth injury is considered medical malpractice 

What Is Umbilical Cord Prolapse?

Umbilical cord prolapse is a condition in which the umbilical cord drops through the cervix into the vagina before the fetus moves into the birth canal. It can occur prior to or during delivery and happens in approximately one in every 300 births. 

The umbilical cord is highly important to a healthy pregnancy. It connects the fetus to the placenta, facilitating the flow of nutrients, oxygen, and blood, as well as removing waste. 

Umbilical cord prolapse is highly dangerous and a cesarean section is often required to deliver the baby safely. Compression of the umbilical cord can result in a loss of oxygen to the fetus and can cause stillbirth.

Types of Umbilical Cord Prolapse

The three types of umbilical cord prolapse are:

• Overt umbilical prolapse - When the umbilical cord slips through the cervix and into the vagina after the membranes rupture and before the fetus enters the birth canal
• Funic presentation - When a loop of the umbilical cord moves into a position between the fetus and the still-intact membranes
• Occult cord prolapse - Then the cord positions itself alongside the fetus in the canal, but it’s not detectable by doctors

Causes of Umbilical Cord Prolapse

Possible causes of umbilical cord prolapse include:

• Preterm labor
• Breech presentation
• Multiple gestation pregnancies such as twins or triplets
• Polyhydramnios
• Premature rupture of the membranes
• Low birth weight 
• Amniotomy

Treatment for Umbilical Cord Prolapse

Umbilical cord prolapse is an emergency that requires immediate delivery, usually by cesarean section. In rare cases, vaginal delivery may be faster. While the pregnant parent is being prepared for surgery, doctors may try to take the pressure off the umbilical cord by manually raising the part of the baby that is pressing on the cord or filling the pregnant parent’s bladder with saline. 

Umbilical Cord Prolapse and Birth Injury Law

The longer it takes to respond to umbilical cord prolapse, the higher the risk of birth injury. Possible complications include:

• Stillbirth
• Brain damage
• Low heart rate
• Cerebral palsy

If a doctor fails to detect or adequately respond to umbilical cord prolapse in time, it is considered negligent. If this failure to act results in birth injury, it can be grounds for a medical malpractice lawsuit. 

If you or your baby were injured because a medical professional improperly handled or failed to detect your umbilical cord prolapse, you may be eligible for compensation for your damages. It is recommended that you speak to an experienced birth injury attorney who will be able to help you proceed with your case.